Ahhh...Spring

I usually don't look forward to spring in Seattle. It's usually overcast and rainy, but recently, it's been stunning. Today, for example, is sunny and warm. I took some pictures of the cherry blossom trees in front of my condo. Unfortunately, the rain is headed our way tonight and this weekend.

Spring, con't.

TESOL '07

Last week I attended the National TESOL Convention held in Seattle. One of the best things about TESOL is meeting up with people you don't usually get to see. Pictured here is Devon who lives and works in British Columbia. Devon and I go way back, almost 20 years ago. We were both ESL teachers in Japan back in the day.

My Girls

Here are Kim and Debra at the S-TESL party held at the Rock Bottom Brewery.

Trisha & Fumiko

Trisha and Fumiko go way back. Fumiko was a faculty member at a university in Tokyo and would bring students to the English program which Trisha directed in Colorado. Trisha and I took a break from the convention and met up with Fumiko who now works for the Japanese Consulate.

Seattle Sightseeing

I was able to meet up with my dissertation chair at the convention so on Sunday, we decided to do some sightseeing. Jerry, his wife Yoko, and Borzana went to the International District. We stopped at Uwajimaya where Yoko got her fill of all things Asian. We then went for a drive crossing Lake Washington and heading for the Eastside. We stopped at my school for a bit so everyone could check email. Here's a shot in the computer lab.

Jerry, Yoko & E.

Since Jerry is an avid hiker, I introduced him to E. who knows the area hikes pretty well.

Hanging out in the lab

Here's Borzana taking it easy. Borzana is a faculty member at a university in Croatia.

Ma-Chan

I couldn't resist posting this pic of my nephew, Ma-Chan. Look at the rolls on this kid...he's the pudgiest baby ever.

REI, Dividends, and Spending Money

So E. and I went to REI the other day. I wanted to spend my yearly dividend (a whopping $2.78) and take a look at some bikes. I think this is the bike (shown above w/ E.) I'll eventually purchase...a nice mountain bike which (most importantly) has a seat which can go REALLY low. There was a big difference in the way E. and I looked at the bikes: I looked at color and flashiness; E. looked at rideability, size, and functionality. While my taste comes in handy choosing say, makeup or nail polish, it sucks when coming to choosing sporting equipment. On this one, I'll go with E.'s suggestion.

Bike #2

Here's the other bike I was looking at it. I mostly like it because of the color. Flashy, huh?